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I don't normally do "hi, I'm new!" posts, but as a NT I thought introducing myself would be the polite thing to do.

I'm 23, Australian, and studying to be a speech pathologist. We've had a few lectures and workshops on autism, aspergers etc and I found them fascinating, but I'm also aware that the very nature of our course means we learn to look at symptoms, not people (though I must say my university works VERY hard to overcome that). I came here because I wanted to get an understanding of what it's like to be a person on the spectrum, regardless of whether or not I end up working in this field.

I'm very NT in a lot of ways, but I do have an anxiety disorder which means I sometimes feel I'm a step behind everyone else, especially in social situations.

I love reading and music (I'm a classically trained singer). Terry Pratchett's my favourite author - generally I read a lot of fantasy novels.

I hope you don't mind my being here!

Hello and Welcome!
What does a speech pathologist do?

If I'm not mistaken, a speech pathologist works with those who cannot speak clearly or at all and improves those skills.

I know because my childhood was full of them.

Thanks for the welcome!

A speech pathologist basically helps people to communicate, though we also help people with swallowing difficulties. As you can imagine, it's a massive field - everything from adults who have had strokes to children with cochlear implants to people with voice disorders. And, of course, working with kids (mostly) on the autism spectrum helping them learn how to communicate in an NT world and giving their parents strategies to help them.

Yay, fantasy novels!

Anyway, welcome.

That sounds like a great career choice. I was wondering if a speech pathologist could help me communicate better.

Hi!

Welcome to Wrongplanet!

I hope you enjoy posting here!